Russia declares state of emergency in Belgorod after Ukrainian attack

Russian Emergency Situations Minister Alexander Kurenko announced on August 15 that the situation in Russia's border province of Belgorod has been declared a federal emergency following Ukraine's attacks on the Kursk region.

Ukraine launched a large-scale offensive against Russia's Kursk region on August 6. Three days later, Russia's National Anti-Terrorist Committee imposed security measures in Kursk, Bryansk and Belgorod regions to ensure the safety of civilians and prevent attacks.

These measures may include evacuating people to safe areas, suspending production activities involving hazardous materials.

On August 15, the legislative committee on the prevention and elimination of emergency situations and fire safety also held an extraordinary meeting, during which the situation in the Belgorod region was discussed.

At the meeting, Mr. Kurenkov stated: "In accordance with the information received in the reports, I propose to classify the emergency situation that has emerged in the Belgorod region as a federal emergency, accordingly establishing a federal-level response."

According to Mr. Kurenkov, the scale of the events makes it impossible for the Belgorod region to eliminate the consequences of the current emergency situation on its own.

He added that the situation in the province is difficult and tense due to attacks by the Ukrainian armed forces, houses and infrastructure are damaged, and there are deaths and injuries.

Previously, on August 14, Governor of Belgorod province, Mr. Vyacheslav Gladkov, declared a state of emergency throughout the province, in the context of Ukraine conducting a military campaign in the border area with Russia.